Denel Mechem unveils Casspir Eland recovery vehicle

Written by defenceWeb -

28th Jan 2016

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Denel Mechem has added a new vehicle to its lineup, the Casspir Eland heavy duty recovery vehicle.

The Eland is in 6X6 configuration and based on the Casspir NG2000 series. With its monocoque design it is larger and heavier than the 4X4 wheel variant, the Casspir Gemsbok. Two of these recovery variants have recently been ordered by the Angolan Defence Force.

Mechem is also busy with the production of the Casspir 6X6 Stallion – a recovery vehicle based on a truck chassis with a protected cab and the ability to perform heavy duty recovery duties. The Casspir Stallion is also available in 4X4 and 8X8 variants providing clients a range of recovery vehicles – from light to heavy duty – based on the same vehicle model.

The General Manager of Mechem, Ashley Williams, said a number of African countries are showing interest in the complete Casspir family of mine-protected vehicles. Mechem hosted delegations from three countries in December and demonstrated the full spectrum of Casspir variants.

The advantages of acquiring different variants of the same trusted vehicle are quite obvious, Denel said, as prospective clients in Africa can use the Casspir variants in different conditions and applications and they are suitable for both military operations and peace support missions.
“The Casspir range is regarded as a force multiplier and Denel has stock in hand that can be sold and handed over to the client at very short notice,” the company said.

In May last year Mechem unveiled the new ‘Blesbok’ cargo truck version of the Casspir, which was in production for Angola. In 2013 Angola ordered 45 Casspir New Generation 2000B vehicles comprising 30 armoured personnel carriers, four fire support vehicles (able to carry two 23 mm cannons or a recoilless rifle), two command vehicles, two recovery vehicles, two ambulances, three logistics vehicles, a water tanker and a diesel tanker.

The new generation NG2000 Casspirs feature more powerful engines and better manufacturing techniques than their predecessors and can withstand a 21 kg TNG blast under a wheel and a 14 kg blast under the hull.